One lane reopens on U.S. 26 following a spilled semi-truck crash just west of Government Camp.
PORTLAND, Ore. — One person has been transported via life flight after a semi-truck hauling hay and an SUV collided on U.S. 26, prompting a several hour closure just five miles west of Government Camp on Friday morning.
As of 10:35 a.m., one eastbound lane reopened, but all westbound lanes and the eastbound left lane remain closed. There are no local detours in the area the crash occurred, the Oregon Department of Transportation said.
Oregon State Police responded to the crash with reported serious injuries around 6:28 a.m. The crash is currently under investigation, OSP said. No other injuries have been reported.
The semi-truck hauling hay spilled its load in the crash. ODOT told KGW that, “that’s a major factor in the time it takes to reopen the highway.”
The highway is partially closed between milepost 45 and 48. ODOT said special equipment is on the way to cleanup the spilled hay, remove the truck and possibly deal with any fuel or fluid leaks.
Timberline Lodge Ski Resort reported on their conditions page that ski operations Friday morning are impacted due to the crash and resulting road closure. Mt. Hood Meadows said drivers should expect long delays on U.S. 26. If heading up to the mountain to go skiing, drivers should go through Hood River until traffic resumes.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more details as they emerge.
